FREMANTLE Docker Anthony Morabito made a successful return to football through the WAFL on Saturday, finishing as Peel Thunder's third-highest disposal collector in a 30-point loss to East Perth.
Morabito accumulated 23 disposals in his first match of the 2016 season, returning from a hamstring injury he sustained at a Fremantle pre-season training session on Monday, February 8.
Of his 23 disposals, 16 were kicks, showing his ability to penetrate through opposing sides.
He also recorded four inside 50s, creating opportunities for the Thunder.
The performance could have the former first-round draft pick in high regard of the Fremantle selectors, who may make changes after the Dockers' sour loss to West Coast on Saturday night left the team in an 0-3 hole.
Morabito was having an impressive pre-season for the Dockers before the injury halted his transition into the Fremantle backline.
Fremantle midfielder Tendai Mzungu spoke to fremantlefc.com.au about Morabito's resilience.
"It's amazing, the resilience of him," Mzungu said.
"I know it's been mentioned before, but from the outside you wouldn't even know that he's injured.
"He just comes in, he's got a smile on his face, he gets around the boys. It's a credit to him that he's been able to keep his head up the whole time."
Morabito has been cited as fitting into the Fremantle side as an intercepting defender, with his suberb foot skill, marking ability and strong body frame offering the Dockers a dimension they appear to be lacking after their first three rounds.
Sam Collins was also impressive in the Peel defence on Saturday.
The first-year Fremantle player has shone in Peel's first four games, and was named in Peel's best players on Saturday.
He has shown an ability to collect disposals and win one-on-one contests.
While the backman may not be pushing for immediate selection, consistent performances could have him in the forefront of the selectors' minds.
Hayden Crozier also made a push to be named in the Dockers' side, as he recorded a huge 30 disposal, three goal game against East Perth.
The final score of the match read 11.8 (74) to 15.14 (94).
